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A quiet Christmas for Red Deer Emergency Services

37 workers on duty on Christmas Day
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Nearly 40 Red Deer Emergency Services workers were on duty during Christmas. (Advocate file photo)

It was a relatively quiet holiday season for Red Deer Emergency Services, as no major fire calls were received on Christmas or Boxing Day.

Thirty-seven RDES workers were on duty during the day on Christmas, as well as the 31 working overnight, ready to respond to any emergency calls. The same number of RDES staff members were also working on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as well.

"There are always emergencies every day," said Curtis Schaefer, RDES deputy chief.

"We didn't have any significant calls over the holiday season, but it's important for those workers to be there to protect all of us. While we're with loved ones, family and friends, they're at the ready and able to respond as needed, from medical emergencies, to motor-vehicle accidents to fires."

RDES staff works on a platoon rotation, meaning the crews working on holidays changes from year to year.

"With four platoons rotating, typically it will rotate so the crews working Christmas Day won't have to work that day again for a couple years," said Schaefer.

Meanwhile, Premier Danielle Smith issued a Christmas Day statement on Dec. 25.

“Today, Albertans of the Christian faith celebrate the miraculous birth of their Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose arrival fulfilled ancient prophecies and brought the promise of hope, peace and eternal salvation to the world. His birth in Bethlehem is a reminder of God’s great love for us and His plan to bring hope and salvation to the world," Smith said.

“As families gather to celebrate with their own special traditions, let us also remember those who may be struggling, alone or isolated. I encourage all Albertans to extend a hand of fellowship to share the goodwill of Christmas, and I thank all the charitable organizations, donors and volunteers who give of themselves so that many can celebrate the day. May this time bring warmth to our hearts and happiness to your homes. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”



Sean McIntosh

About the Author: Sean McIntosh

Sean joined the Red Deer Advocate team in the summer of 2017. Originally from Ontario, he worked in a small town of 2,000 in Saskatchewan for seven months before coming to Central Alberta.
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